Classico Latino

Intro
About
Line-Up
Song List
References
Previous Clients
FAQs
Performance Schedule
Prices

In 1999, two rising stars of the British classical music scene joined forces with Colombian pianist Ivan Guevara-Bernal to create Classico Latino.

Violinist Lizzie Ball and cellist Graham Walker developed new interpretations of the serenades and songs of the Fiesta; the unique style they evolved brings together traditional Latin-American melodies and rhythms with classical techniques to produce a phenomenal new sound. Making extensive use of their own arrangements, alongside vibrant new compositions, the music of Classico Latino—music of passion, of love, of hope and of despair—has been hailed by audiences world-wide.

Two worlds collided when, in 1997, the Colombian Ivan Guevara-Bernal invited the very English Graham Walker to play Latin-American music with him whilst they were both students at St John’s College, Cambridge. It seemed unlikely that two musicians, with such disparate temperaments and from such different traditions, could combine to produce successful results. However, their reputation spread, and by the time of their first formal concert not even standing room remained.

In 2000, violinist Elizabeth Ball was invited to join the group, and together they have gone on to perform across the UK, Europe and Colombia. This success, alongside their unique approach to the music, has led to their being invited to perform in venues as diverse as St John’s, Smith Square, Bogotá’s Teatro Colón in Colombia, and Akkra, Ghana.

Classico Latino is a project that demonstrates the universal and cross-cultural nature of music. Although the three members of the group are classically trained, in Classico Latino they perform the popular Latin-American repertoire, drawing on the familiar Samba, Bolero and Tango as well as less-well-known rhythms such as Pasillo, Joropo and Currulao, in a unique combination of instruments and styles. Whilst maintaining the format of the classical piano trio, Classico Latino expresses the original passion and joy of the Latin-American rhythms resulting in a contagiously exciting sound which would be unheard-of in their country of origin. The ground-breaking arrangements, which are all original and unique to the group, combine the passion of Latin America with the virtuosity and traditions of classical music.

Classico Latino performs extensively to audiences more used to western classical music, to show not only the versatility of the instruments they play, but also the immediacy of the music. It is music with an extraordinary appeal to people from all cultural backgrounds, which is largely due to the universal nature of its message. The idea of love features frequently in these songs, as does that of simply having a good time. It is this uncomplicated approach, combined with memorable tunes and catchy rhythms, which makes their music so accessible. It is music for all people.

Trio - Violin, Piano, Cello

Duo - Violin / Piano or Cello / Piano

Also vocal options available, with Lizzie (Violinist) singing and playing; also options for 2 Violinists, Cello and Piano

A Tropical Dream
Adios Muchachos
Alfonsina y el Mar
Alice in Wonderland
Alma Llanera
Amalia
Aquellos Ojos Verdes
A Tropical Dream
Besame Mucho
Brasil
Cachita
Capullito de Alhelí
Carmentea
Carmen de Bolivar
Colombia Tierra Querida
Don Bruno
Dos Gardenias
La Flor de la Canela
La Rondinela
El Bunde Tolimense
El Cafetero
El Calavera
El Día que me Quieras
El Gato Montés
El Relicario
El Sanjuanero
El Voluntario
Hasta Siempre Comondante
Jealousy
Juegos de Salon
La Gata Golosa
La Cumparsita
La Feria de Manizales
Los Secretos de una Rosa
Melodía de Serenata
Mi Buenaventura
Mi Buenos Aires Querido
Moliendo Café
Otro Buchipluma
Pescador, Lucero y Rio
Popular Jarabe Tapatio
Por Una Cabeza
Pueblito Viejo
Sabor a Mi
Si Pasas por San Gil
Siboney
Te Quiero Dijiste
Tico-Tico No Fuba
Usted
Yo me Llamo Cumbia

Worshipful Company of Apothecaries
It takes a lot to impress the hardened City banquet-goer, but this trio provided something really special for our recent banquet. The blend of classic and Latin is very unusual and worked well with slow moods and lively foot-tappers, familar songs and unfamiliar rhythms. It was the perfect finish to our evening.

Saffron Walden Friends of Cancer Research UK
In June The Saffron Walden branch of Cancer Research UK were fortunate enough to enjoy the music of Classico Latino at a fundraising concert in the beautiful surroundings of Elmdonbury garden in Elmdon near Saffron Walden. Classico Latino’s talent and versatility is much to be admired and their delightful presentation of their music was a pleasure. Their classical interpretation of Latin-American music is both unusual and powerful. Graham Walker’s talent on the cello, and Ivan Guevara-Bernal’s skilled piano playing, together with Lizzie Ball’s violin (and her beauty!) made listening to such music on a summer’s evening a splendid occasion. Anyone having the good fortune to listen to Classico Latino would not be disappointed. They are a special trio with an inspirational sound.

Hartfield Friends of Cancer Research UK
The Hartfield Group of Friends for Cancer Research UK were truly delighted by Classico Latino's evening of music - the Group were quite simply sensational and their music took us all by storm.

Alfonso Lopez Caballero, former Colombian Ambassador to the UK
I am consistently amazed that these young English musicians can play our Latin-American music so superbly. As a trio their passion is incredible, the power of their performances extraordinary and their technique staggering. I recommend their beautiful music wholeheartedly.

The Committee of Cavendish NADFAS Buxton Derbyshire
Our NADFAS group were entertained at St Johns College Cambridge to an evening of the most beautifully performed classical Latin American music. The mould was broken when Classico Latino was born. They are so inspirational that we found ourselves on the edge of our seats throughout the evening. The beauty of the violinist Lizzie Ball and her wonderful technique and passion was breathtaking, the humour and sensitive playing of Ivan Guevara was so touching and the dry wit and virtuoso cello playing from Graham gave us a wonderful insight in to the life and music of South America. The demand for their CD was very high and they sold out. This group will go far and we will go far to see them again.

Martin Denny, Director, Windsor Festival
Classico Latino have visited us twice and have, each time, attracted our largest audience for a lunchtime concert. They play wonderfully, entertain beautifully and present their concerts so well that you cannot fail to enjoy them.

Clacton Gazette, from Clacton and North East Essex Arts and Literary Society
Elizabeth Ball, the violinist, Graham Walker on the cello and the leader, composer and arranger, a brilliant pianist Ivan Guevara-Bernal, thrilled and delighted the audience with their exquisite playing of some very well-known pieces, such as Besame Mucho, La Cumparsita and Brazil together with many other pieces, not so well known, but equally enjoyable. This was an exciting evening, loudly applauded by the members and the sponsors.

Church Stretton Arts Festival
Classico Latino were wonderful. It was a great finale to the Festival and I think everyone left with a spring in their step. It is such a joy to watch three amazingly talented musicians thoroughly enjoying themselves and producing wonderful music.

Weddings across the UK
St Johns College May Ball, Cambridge
Peterhouse College May Ball, Cambridge
Magdelene College, Cambridge
Newnham College, Cambridge
Oriel College, Oxford
Magdelen College, Oxford
Lucy Cavendish College, Cambridge
Clacton Arts and Literary Society, Essex
Grange-over-Sands Music Society, Cumbria
Complete Coffee, London
Worshipful Company of Apothecaries
St John’s, Smith Square, London
St James’, Piccadilly, London
St Martin-in-the-Fields, London
Royal Academy of Music, London
The Royal Landscape, Windsor, UK
Windsor Festival, UK
Church Stretton Festival, UK
Cavendish NADFAS, Cavendish, UK
Soliman Travel, UK
British-Colombia Chamber of Commerce, London
Cancer Research UK
Friends of Colombia for Social Aid, London
Children of the Andes, London
Schloss Schadau, Thun, Switzerland
Colombian Embassy, Stockholm, Sweden
Teatro Colon, Bogota, Colombia
Teatro Bellas Artes de Bogota, Colombia
William Shakespeare Institute, Bogota, Colombia
Conservatoire, Ibague, Tolima, Colombia
Festival Mono Nunez, Colombia
British-Colombia Chamber of Commerce, Bogota, Colombia

Can you perform outdoors? Yes, both outdoors and indoors are fine, weather permitting.

Can you do vocal numbers? Yes, we have many songs in our repertoire with vocal lines which Lizzie (violinist) sings.

Can you bring your own piano? Yes, we have a high-quality electric piano.

How much space do you need? Roughly 3 metres by 3 metres is fine.

Can you do cabaret-style performances as well as background music? Yes, of course! Most of our performances are concerts/cabaret entertainments.

Standard Act: 2 x 60 minutes, but negotiable

Please Note: The fees indicated below are approximate and based on a central location for each county. They are intended to provide a rough guide only and exact quotes can only be given once the date and exact location of your event have been provided.